SOUTHERN PINES, NORTH CAROLINA | Danielle Kang confirmed that she competed in the U.S. Women's Open despite having a tumor on her spine. The Las Vegas resident, who finished tied for 63rd at 13-over par after a Sunday 79, said she will undergo additional procedures and tests to determine treatment options and to learn whether the tumor is malignant or benign.
“I didn't want to miss it,” said an emotional Kang after making the cut. “I'm really happy that I'm here. It's been a difficult road, but I'm pretty stoked that I'm able to hit certain shots, and I feel like my game is a little bit there.”
On Thursday, Kang’s brother, Alex, also a professional golfer, posted an Instagram message in support of his sister: “@daniellekang looking good! Play well this week at the @uswomensopen only person I know to be playing with a tumor in her spine…. So determined.”
Kang, 29, withdrew from the Palos Verdes Championship after the first round in late April and said she found out about the tumor after returning home from Los Angeles. She played for the first time in a month at last week’s Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play.
Kang’s mother, Grace, was by her side at Pine Needles as she answered media questions about her health. Kang’s father, who caddied for her in her back-to-back U.S. Women’s Amateur victories, died after a battle with lung and brain cancer in 2013.
“We’re doing a lot of process of elimination with it so I can be healthy for the longevity of my career,” Kang said on Saturday, adding that she’s been working with a number of doctors, as well as her physiotherapist, to be able to compete. “End of the day, my priority No. 1 is to be pain-free.”
Kang, who was seen stretching and grabbing her back during play, said she intends to undergo additional tests after the U.S. Women’s Open to learn more about her prognosis. Her return to the LPGA Tour is uncertain.
“Could be a week; it could be months. I don't know the answer,” said Kang, a six-time LPGA winner, including the 2017 Women’s PGA. “I'm actually doing everything I can. I don't know how to answer these things right now. I don't have all the answers.”
Brad King